Abstract

Coccidiosis constitutes a major problem in poultry rearing. Recourse to the use of prophylactic chemotherapy, for example, is only a short-term solution. Ostensibly, the drugs used are effective but they are also expensive. In the present study, the influence of adding dried Artemisia annua L. leaves as a botanical coccidistat in coccidia-infested broilers was investigated. Concurrently, the feed consumption pattern and weight gain in broilers as well as egg production rate and size in layers, respectively, were also evaluated. In untreated broilers, trophozoites increased an average of four-fold over 84 days. Inhibition of parasite growth in birds fed with rations containing A. annua leaves was observed just like with a commercial anticoccidial therapy. In addition, there was a higher feed intake which resulted in higher weight gain in the broilers. Weekly egg production rate, size and intensity of egg yolk colour were equally improved in all the layers fed with a mixture of commercial mash and A. annua leaves. This is an implicit indication that the addition of A. annua leaves to poultry feed serves as a potentially rich source of medication and nourishment for the birds.

Key words: Artemisia annua, broiler chickens, coccidiosis, conventional feed, egg yolk, Eimeria spp.